The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle [Paperback]

Avi (Author)

Book Description

Release date: September 2, 2003

An ocean voyage of
unimaginable consequences

Not every thirteen-year-old girl is accused of murder, brought to trial, and found guilty. But I was just such a girl, and my story is worth relating even if it did happen years ago. Be warned, however: If strong ideas and action offend you, read no more. Find another companion to share your idle hours. For my part I intend to tell the truth as I lived it.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this crackling good yarn--a Newbery Honor book--a 13-year-old girl must extricate herself from a perilous position during an 1832 transatlantic voyage. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8. On a long, grueling journey from England to Rhode Island in 1802, a 12 year old changes from a prim and proper girl to a swashbuckling mate of a mutinous crew and is accused of murder by the captain. Awash with shipboard activity, intense feelings, and a keen sense of time and place, the story is a throwback to good old-fashioned adventure yarns on the high seas.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (September 2, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380714752
• ISBN-13: 978-0380714759
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (454 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #571,416 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

More info at avi-writer.com and facebook.com/avi.writer
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Avi is part of a family of writers extending back into the 19th century. Born in 1937 and raised in New York City, Avi was educated in local schools, before going to the Midwest and then back to NYC to complete his education. Starting out as a playwright--while working for many years as a librarian--he began writing books for young people when the first of his kids came along.

His first book was Things That Sometimes Happen, published in 1970, and recently reissued. Since then he has published seventy books. Winner of many awards, including the 2003 Newbery award for Crispin: the Cross of Lead (Hyperion), two Newbery Honors, two Horn Book awards, and an O'Dell award, as well as many children's choice awards, he frequently travels to schools around the country to talk to his readers.

Among his most popular books are Crispin: The Cross of Lead, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, Nothing but the Truth, the Poppy books, Midnight Magic, and The Fighting Ground.

In 2008 he published The Seer of Shadows (HarperCollins), A Beginning a Muddle and an End (Harcourt), Hard Gold (Hyperion) and Not Seeing is Believing, a one-act play in the collection, Acting Out (Simon and Schuster). Crispin: the End of Time, the third in the Newbery Award-winning series, was published in 2010. City of Orphans was released in 2011, receiving a number of starred reviews. Learn more at Avi-writer.com. Follow Avi on Facebook, facebook.com/avi.writer, where he shares an inside look at his writing process.

Avi lives in Denver, Colorado, with his wife and family.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

120 of 129 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars My 3rd favourite novel;one of Avi's greatest September 7, 2005

By Chelsea Churro

Format:Paperback

If you are a fan of this novel, it is well known that you have a huge capacity of inner feeling(similar to that of Charlotte). I am twelve and I am a person of such nature. If you hated this book, it is likely that you are a modern, go-along with the crowd type of person that cherishes technology more than anything else. People such as I and fans of this extravagent novel understand Charlotte Doyle and quite honor books like this.

In fifth grade, my teacher read this story aloud to the classroom. I believed almost every soul present was hooked on it, but it turns out that I was wrong. For,once when the story ended the magic was gone. I was the only one who ever spoke of it. I was craving for a sequal(most sequels never are as brilliant and popular as the origanionals and classics), and at the same time craving the origanal to be my own. So I rented it from the library and read it twice again. The same magic entered my mindand absorbed my heart each time. I couldn't get enough of The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle.

Then the next time I had a chance to buy a book, without a second thought I hurridly hunted Charlotte down, grabbed her gently(while staring into Charlotte's beautiful eyes!), and stode toward the cash register. I read it all again that evening, same magic appeared once more. And just a couple of weeks ago when I started 7th grade, I read Charlotte Doyle once more. I have read it a total of 5 times in 2.5 years(that two and a half!).

Some of you say that it is boring. That may be true, but I believe you are referring to the beginning of the novel. Patience is a virtue. The information is vital later on in the novel. If you read the whole novel through and found naught a single interesting point, no climax or anything at all, THEN I can't explain. I suggest it was because you expected gore, or machine guns, bombs exploding, or a shark attack. Allow me to remind you of the setting-1832-not the 21st century!

As for the author, Avi has written many excellect novels, and has earned a reputation for high standards. I find it absolutely amazing how he captured a perfect mind of a girl like me! Not a girl from the 21st century. No, not a girl that by the age of 7 is thinking about how 'hot' the boy in her class is, or how to cuss and get her parents upset. No, not the girl that thinks of stuff like being a slut. Wathing R movies and getting into 'relationships'. I find that sort of behavior quite appalling. I'm talking about a REAL girl with hopes and Dreams and following her senses, being brave, and listening to what her heart desires.

If you loved this novel it may be true that you are a 'young soul of justice' yourself!!!

ABOUT THE BOOK!

Charlotte Doyle, a girl by the age of thirteen, lives in England and goes to the Barrington School for Better Girls. Her father, mother, younger sister and younger brother live in Providince, Rhode Island. Charlotte is to sail on the Seahawk(a brig, also known as a two masted ship) on a voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to live with her family.

Charlotte's father has several reasons leading up to the positiveness of this voyage. First, Charlotte will be losing no school, due to the fact that it is summer break and this voyage will occupy an assuming 2 months. Second, the Seahawk is owned by her father's company, and is operated under her father's firm. The fourth reason is the captain of the seahawk has earned a reputation for profitabe crossings across the Atlantic Ocean. The final reason is two other families known by her father have also booked for this passage, and are to accompany Charlotte.

Theres a large beautiful boat, jolly sailors,no school, and companions of her age!

The only possible thing that can dampen this voyage, the rain on Charlotte's parade, is a journal that Charlotte was instructed by her father to write in every day of her voyage.There are no other interruptions in Charlotte's soon-to-be fantastic journey. And what harm can a journal be?

It turns out that during this journey, Charlotte's happiness is not the only thing held in jeopardy-her life is, too! Will Charlotte's strong will to survive and make the best of her current position prevail? Or will life's hard lessons drive Charlotte out of her mind?

This is my first time to write a review of a book, so please write back if I have not met up to the standard expectations. And please read The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. Avi is among the most adored authors of present day!

27 of 30 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Thrilling High Seas Adventure April 1, 2004

By Erika Sorocco

Format:Paperback

The year is 1832, and thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle is excited to make an interesting voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, being transported from Liverpool, England, home to her family in Providence, Rhode Island by way of ship. She is lead to believe that other families with children her age will be accompanying her on this trip, as it is improper for a girl of her age to be traveling with a group of men, but when they never show up, she is forced to board by herself, and is soon thrown into a tailspin. Before Charlotte even knows what is going on, she is not only accused of murder, but brought to trial, and found guilty, as well. This is her story. The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, as she lived it.

THE TRUE CONFESSIONS OF CHARLOTTE DOYLE is an amazing work of literary fiction, that will stay with the reader for years and years to come. Charlotte is an intelligent, strong willed, strong minded, and brave young girl, who makes the best of all of the challenges she faces on her journey. She is not afraid of a little hard work, and even enjoys it to a certain extent. Through her adventures she keeps her head up and a smile on her face, just to prove to everyone around her that she can do anything that a man can, and sometimes she can even do it better. A must have book for anyone interested in historical fiction, as this is one of the best.

Erika Sorocco

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Newbery Honor book "The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle" July 16, 2002

By Priscilla Stafford

Format:Paperback

When I read on the cover of this book, "A spellbinding tale of intrigue and murder on the high seas", I knew I had to try it out. And I must say, the book delivers a truly wonderful tale worthy of the Newbery Honor it received.

It is the year 1832 and thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle is being summoned by her family to return to America. But what they don't know is that he two families who were to accompany Charlotte have suddenly decided not to go! Before she knows it, Charlotte is the lone lady passenger on board the 'Seahawk'. Though Captain Jaggery seems to be the only gentleman among the rough crew, Charlotte discovers that all is not what is seems. When she befriends the old cook Zachariah, she finds out that something is about to happen, something she never dreams would happen! Throughout the deadly voyage on the high seas, Charlotte will be tested in her courage, find out her true loyalties, and discover is she has the will to survive!

A truly amazing and thrilling tale, "The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle" will not disappoint. It starts off a bit slow I must confess for me but my feelings for the book changed almost immediately. A definite must-read for all young adults. Charlotte Doyle is such a remarkable character that you can't help but relate to her. In the beginning I was a bit startled by her actions of being 'the young lady' and how she must act the part. But soon I began to cheer her on as she began to really open her eyes to the situation growing around her.

Avi is truly a wonderful author and has proven the range of talent he/she has. I mean, I have had the book "Romeo and Juliet - Together (and Alive!) At Last", which is a totally hilarious book! I just laugh every time I read the book. But in "The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle", there is a sort of classic novel feel to it. If you liked this book or enjoy reading funny stories, don't miss "Romeo and Juliet - Together (and Alive!) At Last".